Meet Helen, The Interactive COVID-19 Chat Assistant

Chat Assistant “Helen” Helps Schedule Virtual Telehealth Medical Appointments

Covenant Health has launched “Helen,” a new interactive chat assistant to help people navigate COVID-19 medical care without having to leave home. Helen guides users through a symptom checker and advises on next steps for care. Helen connects users with nurses who can answer specific care questions and schedule telehealth appointments with a medical provider.

“We’re very excited to offer this type of digital service right now,” says Covenant Health Chief Medical Informatics Officer, Mandy Halford, MD. “In the face of this pandemic, our team is working diligently to create innovative solutions that allow our patients to connect with their care team from the comfort of their home.”

Telehealth sessions allow the patient at home to video chat with the medical provider using a mobile device or computer. During the virtual appointment, the provider can assess the patient, prescribe treatment, and order COVID-19 testing if needed.

Patients who report life-threatening symptoms are encouraged to call 911 or go to their local emergency department. Covenant Health hospitals ask those who suspect they are infected with COVID-19 to call ahead before going to the emergency department. Helen and our nursing team can assist the patient with calling ahead, and will even text them a link that includes a Google map and phone number.

Helen is available at Covenant Health.com and on all hospital and medical practice websites throughout the Covenant Health system. The symptom checker is for adults 18 years of age and older; questions about COVID-19 for patients under 18 years of age should be directed to the child’s pediatrician. For more information about Helen, visit CovenantHealth.com/Helen.